FAQ
Who can participate in a Silent Siege?
We believe that abortion is a rallying point for the entire Church. We support and encourage the pro-life movement and all non-violent strategies and approaches. The “Silent Siege” is open for participation Church-wide. We strongly encourage cross-denominational involvement. Here are the basics for anyone who wants to join in a siege.
- Believe in the atoning work of Jesus’ blood.
- Believe in the power of prayer and God’s call to spiritual warfare.
- Believe abortion must end.
Who is the Spokesperson and what do they do?
The Spokesperson at a Silent Siege is a vital role. Choose a Spokesperson that can answer questions from passersby or the media. Identify your “Spokesperson” with a piece of tape on their back. The Spokesperson should be a good communicator and familiar with the mission and history of Bound4LIFE. It’s a good idea for them to be well-versed about the location being sieged also. In areas with a lot of pedestrian traffic, it’s a good idea for the Spokesperson to NOT wear life tape over their mouth. They can position themselves behind the line so that they’re approachable to answer questions.
Where can we stand during a Silent Siege?
Statutes and guidelines vary from state to state and city to city. Be sure to find out if any permits or prior approvals are needed for public gathering. Don’t assume that your right to free speech automatically entitles you to be able to assemble in a public space. Consult the Traffic Department of your local City/County Building. Many times nothing is needed for gatherings smaller than 10 people.
Why are we just standing in silence?
When the first people put LIFE tape over their mouths in front of the Supreme Court in Washington, DC, something unexpected happened. First, they realized that in their silence God was forcing them identify with the silence of the unborn–those that have no voice to defend themselves. They became intercessors. Secondly, the only thing they could do in this weak posture was pray which was the point all along. So we’re not just standing around in total silence. Our calling is to prayer–the greatest form of social activism.
Why are we standing in front of the Supreme Court instead of an abortion clinic?
Praying in front of abortion clinics is important and necessary. Contending for the life of a single baby is the Lord’s heart. It’s imperative that we see the mothers walking into an abortion clinic so that the “pro-life” movement has a face. It fuels our prayers and keeps our hearts tender.
We live in a day when the ideologies upholding the stronghold of abortion are crumbling. Hearts are slowly turning to reflect a pro-life majority, but it’s not enough to change hearts only. The laws of the land have to be changed to uphold righteousness. We must contend with the thrones of iniquity that legislate evil. Right now that is most effectively embodied by the U.S. Supreme Court which legalized abortion at the federal level in the 1973 case Roe v. Wade. We pray at the courts for the prevailing influence of heaven to be over our judges and for the reversal of laws that don’t align with the Word of God. In doing this, we are appealing to a “higher court” for speedy justice to be released.
Should we bring banners and signs to hold during the Silent Siege?
No. The Bound4LIFE prayer movement is based on a strategy from the Lord that is clear and specific. “It’s not a protest. It’s a prayer meeting.” Our ambition is to be obedient to the vision God gave us by not adding to or taking away any part of it. We stand in silence with tape over our mouths to identify with the silence of the most defenseless, marginalized, disenfranchised people group in the earth–the preborn. Our sole focus is to make our petition heard in heaven rather than the earth. We appeal to the Judge of the universe for both mercy and speedy justice to be released on behalf of the babies, mothers and fathers. Ours is a posture of intercession and not human persuasion.
What’s the life band for and how can I get one?
The life band is way to be “marked” when you make the Bound4LIFE committment–PRAY, VOTE & OBEY. It serves as a daily reminder to stand for life. Since October 2004, over 300,000 life bands have been mobilized. They are available in S, M and L, and are available in bulk quantities. Go to the Bound4LIFE store to get yours.
Do you have anything that explains the movement in more detail?
Yes. We’ve taken the most practical experience and condensed it into the Bound4LIFE Field Guide. It’s a 24-page manual that will equip you with everything you need to know to mobilize Bound4LIFE where you live. Contents include history of the movement, how to’s, logistics, scriptures and more. Go to the Bound4LIFE store to get one.
Doesn’t scripture say that we’re to open our mouths and plead the cause of those appointed to destruction? Why tape our mouths shut?
Yes. That’s Proverbs 31:8. We must take a stand for life in every sphere of society. Our voices must be heard. The Church cannot afford to be silent any longer on the issue of abortion. However, the urge to “do something” can never replace our primary call to prayer and intercession. In many cases, our instinct to hurry up to engage in activity causes us to discount the role and power of prayer. It’s easy to suddenly find ourselves striving toward some goal having never prayed at all.
First and foremost Bound4LIFE is a prayer movement. We believe that without prayer, no strategy or effort can succeed. To be even more specific we believe that engaging solely in earthly warfare is futile (Eph 6:12). Prayer is the greatest form of activism that you could ever engage in!
Where’s my Supreme Court?
A list of each state’s Supreme Court has been compiled. Click here to look up your state.
Where do I get red tape for a Silent Siege?
Never has so little said so much. Red Stuck-O-Tape is the preferred tape for Silent Sieges. Easy to tear, less sticky than other tapes and no glue odor. You can find this at most hardware stores or simply go to the Bound4LIFE store to get a roll.
Why take communion after a Silent Siege?
“There is power, power, wonder working power in the blood of the Lamb.” We recommend taking communion to keep our focus on Christ and remember that it is His blood that can wash away our sins. Christ’s blood speaks a better word than the blood of 50 million innocent babies (Heb 12:24).
What if I my faith doesn’t allow me to take communion on my own at a Silent Siege?
We believe that abortion is a rallying point for the entire Church. Therefore, we respect the different expressions of the Christian faith. For many communion can be self-administered, but please participate in which ever way your faith allows.
Just bless them–they’re not your enemy. Direct all questions to the Spokesperson. Never engage in an argument. Don’t retaliate when verbally attacked. Above all else, stay humble and show compassion. Martin Luther King, Jr. required participants of the civil rights movement to pledge themselves to a non-violent creed:
- To resist without bitterness
- To be cursed and not reply
- To be beaten and not hit back